
Integrated MES Solutions for End-to-end Visibility
An increased reliance on enterprise resource planning (ERP) as an effective business management tool has been witnessed in recent years.
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CIO Applications Europe | Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Infor is a leading provider of MES software and is developing solutions that are cloud-based and scalable to meet the needs of small, medium, and large enterprises.
FREMONT, CA: An increased reliance on enterprise resource planning (ERP) as an effective business management tool has been witnessed in recent years. With new technologies emerging, enterprises are undergoing a paradigm shift. They are now adopting manufacturing execution system (MES) software in the factory environment to orchestrate, trace, record, and monitor the manufacturing process, encompassing the journey from raw materials to converting them into semi-finished goods.
The solution stands as an intermediary layer between ERP and process control systems, empowering decision-makers with crucial data, thus enhancing plant floor efficiency and optimising production.
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MES occupies the functional layer within an ISA-95 model that outlines the integration of business and manufacturing processes. Each level in the module corresponds to a distinct scope and function within the manufacturing enterprise. Considering from the ground level, at level 0, physical processes that occur on the plant floor are taken into account.
Following this, business leaders acquire basic control over supervisory functions, allowing them to gather data from multiple controllers via supervisory control and data acquisition systems. This helps find the potential MES software that integrates the data from varied sources. The highest level of the ISA-95 model represents the enterprise’s business planning and management functions.
The ISA-95 model reflects a hierarchical structure with finite levels, each serving a specific role in the integration of business and manufacturing processes. This, in turn, ensures a seamless communication and data exchange between the different layers, enabling organisations to optimise their production efficiency and align operations with broader business goals. MES software, thus, provides real-time visibility and control of shop floor operations for manufacturers in achieving digital transformation in manufacturing.
Manufacturing enterprise systems have been termed with multiple definitions since the previous times. Wherein the MESA defines the module comprising core functions of a comprehensive MES in terms of operations management and scheduling, dispatching production units, resource allocation, product management, tracking and genealogy, and efficient quality and labour management.
For instance, planning and optimising the execution of work orders from an ERP is based on priorities and the availability of resources. Directing the execution of work orders from an enterprise’s enterprise resource planning requires critical workflow, routing, and material handling.
Similarly, the allocation of labour, material, and machines is highly dependent upon the schedule, where critical monitoring and recording of usage and status is prescribed throughout the execution of work orders. Ensuring a continuous bidirectional flow of data between the shop floor and MES is crucial for real-time adjustments and corrections in the process. These adjustments can occur either automatically or with the intervention of operators. Additionally, an enterprise ought to ensure the usage of the right product documentation while following the suggested health and safety procedures and producing certificates.
The core functionalities of ERP also include generating a comprehensive product history, encompassing the entire journey from raw materials to the finished product, like the material movement on the shop floor and any rework processes. This tracking is done based on lot, batch, or serial numbers to fulfil quality standards and streamline product recall management.
Capitalising on the growing demand for MES software helps Infor to generate solutions that integrate with ERP and several other business systems. Hence, the enterprise is aiming to develop MES solutions that are cloud-based and scalable to meet the rising demands of enterprises, be they small, medium, or large. Infor is extending its partnership with several other technology organisations to offer integrated solutions with end-to-end visibility and control of manufacturing operations.
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